Retirement age in Australia
Updated on 6 June 2025 | 4 minute read
Dreaming of the day you don't have to work anymore? Start turning those dreams into plans. Check what age you can retire and use our tips to decide when you'll be in retirement mode.
Watch: What age can I retire?
Find out the age of retirement in Australia and when you can access your super.
What is the retirement age in Australia?
There's no minimum age when you must retire in Australia. It's up to you when you’re ready to start working less or stop working for good.
But if you're looking for a rough guide, you can use:
The age you can access your super
The Age Pension age
Average retirement age
You can also use our life expectancy calculator.
This calculator shows your life expectancy at retirement and the years left to save for your retirement goals.
Your life expectancy is partly based on averages. Some people won't reach this, others will live beyond it.
This calculator is a guide only and is not general or personal advice. We recommend speaking with a qualified financial adviser before making decisions for your individual needs.1
Life expectancy is based on the information derived from the medium mortality rate assumptions used by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in "Population Projections, Australia 2017 (base)–2066". The data was provided by Cumpston Sarjeant. It calculates your life expectancy based on the age you’ve chosen to retire.
When can I access my super?
Australians can retire with their super from age 60.
You need to be a certain age to get access to most, or all, of your super. It's called your preservation age.
Ages when you can usually access your super
- Reach 60 and retire or open a Transition to Retirement account
- Leave an employer after age 60
- Turn 65 (whether you're still working or not)
What is the Age Pension age?
The starting age for the Age Pension is 67.
This is the current age limit set by the government.
If you're old enough but don't meet all the rules, you may be able to get other government benefits.
Age is just one part of Age Pension eligibility
To get these payments from Centrelink, you'll also have to:
- meet the assets test
- meet the income test
- be an Australian resident and living in Australia for at least 10 years.
What is the average retirement age in Australia?
The average age of retirement is increasing – it's now 56 years. Although many people plan to retire much later.
Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) for 2022-23 show those aged 45+ intend to retire at 65 years, on average.
But the average retirement age for women is 54
Women retire 5 years sooner than men on average, according to ABS figures.
How long does my super need to last?
Australians can expect to live to 85 for women and 81 for men, on average (ABS, 2020–2022).
This means your retirement savings may need to last up to 30 years, depending on what age you retire.
When should I retire?
The best age to retire depends on your situation and future plans.
It's not always an easy decision. And sometimes life decides for you.
How to work out your age of retirement
When deciding the age you want to retire, think about things like:
- Your health
- Your employment situation
- The demands of your job
- Your family's or partner’s situation
- Your super and other savings
- Your property or things you own (assets)
- Any debts you have (e.g. credit cards or a mortgage)
- Any large expenses like home renovations, overseas travel, or medical costs
- Whether you could get the Age Pension
Planning for retirement
For better or worse, your finances will play a huge role in figuring out what age you can retire. Here are some basics to get you started.
How much do I need to retire?
It depends on the lifestyle you want when you finish work. Do you plan on travelling the world or enjoying time at home with family and friends?
Is my super on track?
Check how your super compares to others your age, and how much super you should have now for a comfortable retirement.
How much will I have?
Get a quick snapshot of how long your super will last in retirement. And see what you can do to reach your goals.
What if I need to retire earlier than I plan to?
Personal financial advice can help you decide what to do with your super, how the Age Pension might fit in, and more.
You don't need to wait until you retire – you can ask for advice anytime.
Need financial support?
There are some cases when you can get your super early, such as total and permanent disability.
Please contact us for help with your ART account.
When can I get pension payments from my super?
It depends on your situation and the type of pension account you want.
As a member with us, you can get tax-free payments from age 60 with our 3 pension options.
FAQs about the Australian retirement age
Check our answers to some common questions about the age you can retire.
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